When planning a new fence, one of the most common questions we get from customers across Leeds is, “How long is it going to take to put up?” And it’s a very fair question. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to secure your garden, a landlord preparing a rental property, or a business owner needing a perimeter for your premises, knowing the timeframes involved helps you manage expectations, make arrangements, and avoid unwanted surprises.
At Care Fencing, we’ve installed fences in every setting you can think of – tight city gardens, windy hilltop farms, busy schools, new builds, old builds, and everything in between. In this post, we’ll break down how long different types of fences generally take to install, what might affect those timelines, and how we help you plan a smooth, efficient fencing job from start to finish.
What Affects How Long a Fence Installation Takes?
Before diving into time estimates, it’s worth understanding that no two jobs are quite the same. A few key factors can speed up – or slow down – the installation process:
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Ground conditions: Hard, stony, or root-filled ground will take longer to dig than soft, clear soil.
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Access: If we can get tools and materials close to the work area, things move faster.
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Length and layout: A simple straight run is quicker than one with corners, elevation changes, or awkward features.
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Type of fence: Some materials and styles take longer to install than others.
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Weather: While we work in most conditions, heavy rain or frozen ground can cause delays.
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Concrete curing time: If posts are being concreted in (and they usually are), there’s a natural setting time built into the job.
With that in mind, let’s look at some realistic estimates based on the type of fence you choose.
Closeboard Fencing (Feather Edge)
Installation Time: 10–15 metres per day (approx. 1–2 days for an average garden)
Closeboard fencing is one of the most popular choices in Leeds for good reason – it’s strong, durable, and offers excellent privacy. Built with overlapping feather-edge boards fixed to horizontal rails and sturdy posts, it’s a bit more labour-intensive than pre-made panels.
The construction is done on-site, which allows us to adjust perfectly to the contours of your garden – great if your ground isn’t level. We generally expect to install 10 to 15 metres of closeboard fencing per day, depending on conditions.
Fence Panels (Lap, Waney Edge, or Decorative)
Installation Time: 15–25 metres per day (1 day for smaller gardens, 2 for larger jobs)
If speed is important, traditional fence panels are often the quickest option. These come in pre-made sections (usually 6ft wide) and are slotted between timber or concrete posts.
Because we’re not assembling the fence from scratch, panel fencing goes up quickly – especially when the site is clear and level. Decorative options like lattice or curved-top panels may take a bit longer due to extra care in alignment.
Picket Fencing (Palisade)
Installation Time: 10–20 metres per day (1–2 days depending on scale)
Picket fencing adds a charming, traditional touch to front gardens, parks, and properties where full privacy isn’t necessary. The installation is similar to closeboard in that we often construct it on-site using individual pales.
While lighter in weight and simpler in appearance, aligning all the pales evenly still takes time and care. For this reason, it’s not always faster than other types, but still quite manageable for most small-to-medium jobs.
Post and Rail Fencing (Agricultural or Equine)
Installation Time: 20–40 metres per day (1–3 days depending on length and terrain)
For rural or large perimeter fencing jobs – like farmland, paddocks, or field boundaries – post and rail fencing is ideal. It’s robust, open, and perfect for animals and livestock.
Because these fences are typically installed in longer runs over open ground, we can cover more metres per day than in domestic gardens. Uneven terrain and tree roots can slow things down, but in general, this is one of the quicker styles to install.
Metal Fencing (Railings or Security Fencing)
Installation Time: Varies widely – from 10 to 30 metres per day depending on complexity
Metal fencing can include everything from simple bow-top railings outside a school to high-security palisade fencing for industrial units. The type of metal fence – and how it’s fixed – has a huge impact on the timeline.
Surface-mounted railings (fixed into concrete bases or walls) are typically quicker than in-ground installations. Security fencing often involves digging deeper post holes, setting in concrete, and handling heavy panels, which takes more time and care.
Composite Fencing
Installation Time: 10–15 metres per day (1–2 days for average installations)
Composite fencing is an increasingly popular alternative to timber. It offers a sleek, modern look and excellent durability with minimal maintenance.
Because the system is modular (usually slot-in boards with top/bottom rails and posts), installation is straightforward, but precision is key. As with panel fencing, access and ground prep can make a big difference in daily progress.
Temporary or Site Fencing
Installation Time: 25–50 metres per day (often completed in one day)
For construction sites or events, temporary fencing is designed for fast deployment and removal. Since there’s no digging or concrete involved, it’s the quickest type of fencing to install – though it’s not a permanent solution.
Fencing for Commercial Properties
Installation Time: Depends on site size, security requirements, and complexity
For Leeds businesses, we install everything from metal mesh perimeter fencing to heavy-duty steel palisade and custom gate systems. Timelines vary hugely based on scale and access.
A small business car park might take a day or two, while larger commercial installations (such as a warehouse perimeter or multi-site project) can take a week or more. We’ll always carry out a site visit to give a realistic timescale before any work begins.
Fencing for New Builds in Leeds
Installation Time: 1–3 days per plot, depending on fencing type and layout
We regularly work with developers and property managers across Leeds, providing fencing for new-build homes and housing estates. These jobs can involve a mix of back garden panels, dividing screens, and front garden picket or railings.
Since everything is often being built at once, access is usually straightforward, allowing our team to complete fencing on multiple plots in a short period.
A Few Examples to Give You a Rough Idea
To put it all into context, here are a few typical timelines from recent Leeds installations:
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Back garden, 15m closeboard fencing with concrete posts: 2 days
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Small front garden with 12m of decorative panel fencing: 1 day
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Agricultural 100m post and rail fencing for paddocks: 3 days
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Metal security fencing for industrial yard (35m): 2–3 days
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New build rear garden (20m composite fencing): 2 days
Our Process – What You Can Expect
When you choose Care Fencing, we’ll always:
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Carry out a site visit to assess ground conditions and access.
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Provide a clear estimate of how long the work will take – with no false promises.
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Include concrete setting time in our schedule (we don’t cut corners here).
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Minimise disruption to your property and complete the job cleanly and efficiently.
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Keep you informed every step of the way.
We use a mix of hand tools and machinery depending on the job – sometimes a good old-fashioned spade is what’s needed, other times a post hole auger helps speed things along. Our team is experienced in working around all kinds of challenges, from tight spaces to tree roots and slopes.
Need a More Precise Estimate? Let’s Chat
If you’ve got a fencing project in mind – big or small – the best way to get a realistic idea of how long it will take is to get in touch. We’ll pop round, take a look, and give you honest, tailored advice based on your exact needs.
Give us a ring, drop us an email, or use the contact form on our website, and we’ll be happy to help. You can also take a look at some of our past work and see why so many Leeds homeowners and businesses trust Care Fencing to get the job done right – and on time.
Care Fencing – Quality Fencing, Installed with Care Across Leeds
